Mucharevei Dembure, a resident of Chisuma Village in Manicaland Province, has seen her family’s fortunes transformed through REPSSI Zimbabwe’s Inclusive Disability Project. She recalls how life was once filled with stress and financial challenges as she struggled to support her husband, Mr. Manhomu Chagwiza, who lives with a disability, and their children. Before the program, misconceptions and discrimination toward people with disabilities were rampant in her community. “People used to associate disabilities with witchcraft, and the discrimination was severe,” Mucharevei shared. “Now, I am happy that most of those misconceptions have been addressed.”

Through REPSSI’s mental health and psychosocial support sessions, she began finding emotional relief. Additionally, the project introduced the Internal Savings and Lending (ISAL) initiative, enabling caregivers like her to save regularly, obtain loans, and invest in small businesses. “Joining the savings program changed everything. My husband, who wasn’t working, now runs an incubator business for chickens, and I have a catering business of my own,” she said proudly.

Both businesses have flourished, allowing her family to live more comfortably and share the financial responsibilities. “Now, my husband and I both contribute to our home finances, and my stress levels have gone down. I can finally sleep peacefully, and life has become easier,” Mucharevei added with a smile.

Her children, too, are benefiting from the positive changes at home. “My children are happier now, and that is my greatest joy. This would never have been possible without this program.” For Mucharevei, REPSSI’s intervention has done more than support her family financially; it has brought hope, healing, and a sense of dignity that she never thought possible.